In a recent New York Times feature, acclaimed costume designer Ruth E. Carter detailed her creative process for Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Black Panther, which tells the story of the superhero T’Challa and the challenges he faces from rivals and internal dissenters as king of Wakanda, a fictional African nation. Combining elements of tribal garments and accessories from across the African continent with the futuristic sensibilities of Wakanda, Carter’s costumes capture the essence of the characters within the context of this universe, while imbuing them with the richly layered historical cultures and traditions that served as their inspiration.
Carter utilized a range of production techniques to realize her vision, including carefully sourcing her own fabrics from Ghana, commissioning handmade leather goods from South Africa, and even 3D printing some of the accessories featured in the film, like Queen Ramonda’s crown. Of the piece, author Melena Ryzik writes,
“The [traditional Zulu married woman’s hat] was the model for Ms. Bassett’s crown, which was 3-D-printed, with help from the designer Julia Körner, who specializes in wearable plastics. A rounded shoulder mantle, with a bit of African lace, was also 3-D printed. It took six months, Ms. Carter said, to get the design right.”
Check out Ryzik’s full article, complete with concept sketches, film stills, and inspiration shots, here: nytimes.com/2018/02/23/movies/black-panther-afrofuturism-costumes-ruth-carter.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
Interested in learning more about the exciting world of 3D design? NYUSPS CALA courses provide students with hands-on experience at every stage in the process, from concept to finished product. Sign up this Spring!
3D MODELING WITH CINEMA 4D
ZBRUSH FOR 3D ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS
3D PRINTING AND DIGITAL FABRICATION
FUNDAMENTALS OF 3D DESIGN AND 3D PRINTING (Available Summer 2018)
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